EV Charging for Tenants in California: When Landlords Must Say Yes
California Civil Code § 1947.6 requires many landlords to approve a tenant’s written request to install an EV charger, with exemptions, costs and insurance.
By Seayora Editorial Team · Published · Facts checked · 2 min read
Short answer: In California, a landlord must approve a tenant’s written request to install an electric vehicle charging station at the tenant’s assigned parking space if the request meets the statute and the landlord’s approval process, for leases signed, extended or renewed since July 1, 2015. Properties with fewer than five parking spaces, no parking in the lease, or chargers at 10% or more of spaces are exempt. The tenant pays for installation, electricity and upkeep and must carry liability coverage.
Key takeaways
- Applies to leases executed, extended or renewed on and after July 1, 2015 (Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.6(a)).
- Exempt: fewer than five parking spaces, parking not part of the lease, or chargers already at 10% or more of designated spaces.
- The tenant agrees in writing to the landlord’s requirements and pays installation, electricity, maintenance and removal costs.
- The tenant carries personal liability coverage of up to 10 times the annual rent.
- The charger must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and installed by a licensed electrician.
Do California landlords have to allow EV chargers?
Often, yes. “For any lease executed, extended, or renewed on and after July 1, 2015, a lessor of a dwelling shall approve a written request of a lessee to install an electric vehicle charging station at a parking space allotted for the lessee that meets the requirements of this section and complies with the lessor’s procedural approval process for modification to the property” (Cal. Civ. Code § 1947.6).
Which properties are exempt?
- Properties where chargers for tenants already exist at 10% or more of the designated parking spaces.
- Leases that do not include parking.
- Properties with fewer than five parking spaces.
- Certain rent-controlled dwellings, though the rent-control exemption does not apply to leases executed, extended or renewed on and after January 1, 2019, unless a local ordinance adopted by January 1, 2018 already requires approval.
Who pays for a tenant’s EV charger?
The tenant. The request must include the tenant’s consent to a written agreement covering compliance with the landlord’s requirements for installation, use, maintenance and removal; a financial analysis and scope of work; a description of how, when and where the work will be done; payment to the landlord of all installation and infrastructure costs before work begins; and payment, as part of rent, of the electricity used and the costs of damage, maintenance, repair, removal and replacement. The tenant must also carry personal liability coverage of up to 10 times the annual rent (§ 1947.6(g)–(h)).
What technical rules apply?
A charging station is electric vehicle supply equipment built to Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, it must be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory approved by OSHA, and the station and any electrical alterations must be performed by a licensed electrician (§ 1947.6).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which leases | Executed, extended or renewed on and after July 1, 2015 |
| Where | A parking space allotted to the tenant |
| Exempt properties | Under 5 spaces; no parking in the lease; chargers at 10%+ of spaces |
| Costs | Tenant pays installation, electricity, maintenance and removal |
| Insurance | Tenant liability coverage up to 10 times the annual rent |
| Installation | Certified equipment, licensed electrician |
Frequently asked questions
Can my California landlord refuse an EV charger?
Not if your request meets § 1947.6 and the landlord’s approval process and no exemption applies, such as fewer than five parking spaces or parking not included in your lease.
Who pays for the electricity for a tenant’s EV charger?
The tenant, as part of rent, along with installation, maintenance, repair and removal costs.
Does the tenant need insurance to install a charger?
Yes, personal liability coverage for property damage and injury caused by the charger, in an amount not exceeding 10 times the annual rent.
Sources
- California Civil Code § 1947.6, California Legislative Information
How Seayora helps
Maintenance requests: Tenants submit requests in writing from their phone, and each request is dated and tracked to a decision.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes often, so check the current rule for your property and talk to an attorney before acting on a dispute.
How we write and check these guides: editorial standards.
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